Holly Holm Departs UFC, Opening New Chapter in Storied Combat Sports Career
In a move that surprised many fight fans, Holly Holm, a legendary figure in both boxing and mixed martial arts, has been granted her release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The decision comes after UFC President Dana White expressed his desire for Holm to retire, a suggestion the 43-year-old fighter firmly rejected. Despite having two fights remaining on her UFC contract, Holm, through her agent Lenny Fresquez, requested to become a free agent, enabling her to explore other opportunities in the combat sports world. This marks the end of a significant chapter in Holm’s UFC career, one filled with historic victories, challenging defeats, and a legacy that cements her place as a pioneer in women’s MMA.
Holm’s journey in the UFC, spanning from 2014 to 2024, has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. She burst onto the scene with a stunning head-kick knockout victory over the then-dominant Ronda Rousey in 2015, a moment that etched her name into MMA history and remains one of the biggest upsets the sport has ever witnessed. This triumph earned Holm the UFC women’s bantamweight championship, a title she unfortunately lost in her first defense against Miesha Tate. While her time as champion was short-lived, Holm’s career was defined by her willingness to face the best of the best. Her record of 8 wins and 7 losses in the UFC may not appear remarkable at first glance, but it becomes extraordinary when considering the caliber of her opponents.
Holm’s resume reads like a who’s who of women’s MMA. She squared off against nearly every woman who has held the UFC women’s bantamweight title, including Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Germaine de Randamie, and Amanda Nunes. She also faced all three former UFC women’s featherweight champions: Cris Cyborg, Germaine de Randamie, and Amanda Nunes. This list of opponents speaks volumes about Holm’s tenacity and her unwavering commitment to challenging herself against the elite. Many believe Holm was unjustly denied a victory against de Randamie in their 2017 bout, a win that would have made her a two-division champion in the UFC. This controversial decision underscores the challenging landscape of judging in combat sports and adds another layer of complexity to Holm’s career narrative.
Beyond her octagon battles, Holm’s legacy extends to her remarkable achievement as the only person to hold legitimate world championships in both boxing and MMA. This feat alone distinguishes her as a truly unique athlete in the world of combat sports and strengthens her case for eventual induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. Her boxing background provided her with a distinct striking style that often proved challenging for her MMA adversaries. While her later UFC career wasn’t as successful, culminating in a submission loss to Kayla Harrison at UFC 300, the totality of her accomplishments should outweigh these recent setbacks in the eyes of Hall of Fame voters.
Now, as Holm steps away from the UFC, she faces a crossroads in her career. Her options include a potential return to boxing, exploring other MMA organizations like the Professional Fighters League (PFL) or the Global Fight League (GFL), or perhaps even considering retirement. A return to boxing, while tempting, presents its own set of challenges. The landscape of women’s boxing has evolved significantly since Holm’s heyday, and she would face formidable opponents like Amanda Serrano, Mikaela Mayer, and Claressa Shields. While a fight against any of these women would generate significant interest and a substantial payday for Holm, victory is far from guaranteed. Interestingly, Holm has a prior connection with Shields, having trained with her during Shields’ transition to MMA.
The PFL and GFL offer alternative routes for Holm to continue her MMA career. The PFL, with its featherweight division, could be a suitable fit for Holm’s skillset. The GFL, known for embracing older fighters, presents another intriguing possibility. Each option presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The PFL offers a more established platform with a structured season format, while the GFL might provide a more welcoming environment for a veteran fighter looking to compete at a slightly less intense pace. Ultimately, the best path for Holm will depend on her individual goals. If maximizing earnings in her remaining fighting years is the priority, a return to boxing against a high-profile opponent might be the most lucrative option. However, if the pursuit of another championship title remains a driving force, the GFL could provide a more realistic path to achieving that goal.
Regardless of her next move, Holly Holm’s impact on combat sports is undeniable. She shattered barriers, defied expectations, and inspired a generation of female fighters. Her journey from boxing champion to UFC titleholder is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent. As she embarks on this new chapter, the combat sports world will undoubtedly be watching with anticipation, eager to witness the next stage of Holly Holm’s remarkable career. Her legacy as a trailblazer and a true champion is secure, and the future holds exciting possibilities for this enduring icon of women’s fighting.
